Costa Ricans Break Spending Records with $2.1 Billion International Travel Surge

Costa Ricans spent a record $2.127 billion on international travel in 2025, driven by a strong colón, increased air connectivity, and competitive foreign pricing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 9:26 AM EDT

Source: The Tico Times

The Drivers: Currency Strength and Connectivity

The primary engine behind this travel surge is the strengthening of the Costa Rican colón. With a cumulative drop in the exchange rate during 2025, international travel—typically priced in U.S. dollars—became significantly more affordable for those earning in colones. This "currency discount" effectively increased the purchasing power of middle- and upper-income Ticos for overseas hotels, flights, and shopping.

Supporting this financial incentive was a robust expansion in air connectivity. The entry of more low-cost carriers and a wider network of direct routes from San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) has democratized international travel, making short-haul trips to destinations like Panama and the United States more accessible to first-time travelers.

2025 Travel Statistics at a Glance

The migration terminals recorded a flurry of activity throughout the year, reflecting a market that has far surpassed its post-pandemic recovery phase:

Total Departures: 1,501,940 resident exits (an increase of nearly 118,000 over 2024).